Abstract: In an adaptive speed control system for a vehicle, a method and system for automatically adjusting a selected following interval for the vehicle based on driving conditions is provided. The method includes determining a driving surface coefficient of friction based on a driven wheel speed of the vehicle, and adjusting the selected following interval for the vehicle based on the driving surface coefficient of friction. The system includes a receiver capable of receiving a signal indicative of a driven wheel speed of the vehicle, and a controller capable of determining a driving surface coefficient of friction based on the driven wheel speed, and capable of adjusting the selected following interval for the vehicle based on the driving surface coefficient of friction.

Abstract: A vehicle control device controls an automatic transmission by utilizing road information stored in a navigation system unit. In response to the road information stored in a data memory, the upper-limit of a shiftable transmission speed range is determined, thereby allowing shift-change only within the restricted transmission range. The actual down-shift is carried out after confirming a decelerating operation by the driver, such as release of the accelerator pedal, thereby providing favorable transmission control in conformity with the driver's intention.

Abstract: A system for controlling an automatic transmission of a vehicle which determines a downgrade or upgrade parameter based on the vehicle acceleration and selects one from among a plurality of shift maps (programs) based on the determined grade parameter to determine a gear ratio based on the selected shift program. The system includes a navigation system which stores the road information including the kinds of road. The system determines whether the vehicle runs on a relative road such an alley or a traffic jammed expressway based on the vehicle speed change, the vehicle-stopping-time and the navigation information and if it does, changes the upshift line of the level-road map in the direction in which the vehicle speed increases such that upshift is not likely to occur, or in the direction in which the vehicle speed decreases such that the upshift is more likely to occur, thereby enhancing driveability.

Abstract: A vehicle driving force control apparatus includes an element for calculating a normal target driving force representing a desired vehicle driving force on a level road in accordance with sensed accelerator input quantity and vehicle speed, an element for calculating a modification quantity in accordance with a vehicle grade resistance, an element for determining a grade-adapted target driving force in accordance with the normal driving force and the modification quantity. The grade-adapted target driving force is achieved in a vehicle to provide adequate feeling of acceleration even on an ascending slope.

Abstract: In a process for control of an automatic transmission (3) in a vehicle, it is proposed to set an electronic transmission control (4) for a driving state low friction value when slip is detected on the input gears of the vehicle or an ACS deceleration is detected. In an ACS deceleration a meter is determined, via an ACS evaluation function, from the actual acceleration of the vehicle or a parameter (e.g., gear speed increase) corresponding to the actual acceleration. When slip occurs, a meter is determined, via a slip evaluation function, from the theoretical/actual comparison of the vehicle acceleration or a parameter (e.g., torque reserve) corresponding to said comparison. In both an ACS deceleration or when a slip occurs, a winter operation mode is then activated when the meter count exceeds a limit value.

Abstract: A system for controlling steering of a vehicle, including an electric motor used for power-steering torque assist control. The system has an navigation system whose output is used to correct the detected steering angle input by the vehicle driver. A desired yaw rate is determined based on the corrected steering angle and the detected vehicle speed using a yaw rate model, thereby enabling to conduct the aforesaid lane-keeping-steering torque assist control in a more appropriate manner. Further, if the vehicle driver expresses a positive intention to steer the vehicle by himself, for example, so as to avoid an obstacle present on the road, the control is discontinue to meet the wishes of the vehicle driver. Furthermore, the system monitors the steering of the vehicle driver to prevent the vehicle driver from relying upon this steering assist control to an excessive extent.

Abstract: A vehicle weight and a road surface gradient are estimated based on driving torque values and vehicle acceleration values when specific behavior occurs in a vehicle. Resulting estimation values are used for vehicle controls such as an engine control, an auxiliary brake control, and a transmission control.

Abstract: A method of engaging and disengaging transmission gears in a vehicle is provided. An intent switch is actuated for preparing the transmission to engage or disengage the transmission gears. An engine speed synchronization (ESS) controller processes an input torque parameter representing torque from an engine and an output torque parameter representing torque at a transmission output shaft. The input torque parameter may include such inputs as friction torque while the output torque parameter may include such inputs as vehicle torque load. The input torque parameter is adjusted to approximate the output torque parameter for achieving a zero torque load between the engine and transmission output shaft to facilitate engaging and disengaging transmission gears.

Abstract: A computer controlled braking system utilizes gross vehicle weight of a materials handling vehicle and maximum allowable vehicle speeds to calculate braking force in response to a service brake request. For vehicles equipped with a caster brake, the calculated braking force is proportionally distributed between a drive brake and the caster brake. The drive brake includes a mechanical brake and motor braking which is performed by a traction motor. The drive brake force is divided between the mechanical brake and the motor braking so that the motor provides as much braking as possible to reduce wear on the mechanical brake and also to conserve battery power. For vehicles equipped with a caster brake, the caster brake portion of the calculated braking force is determined as a programmable percentage of the total braking force and can differ based on travel direction.

Abstract: A continuously variable transmission of an automobile which varies the drive ratio arbitrarily between an input axis and an output axis is combined with a traction control device for example which performs braking corresponding to vehicle running conditions and irrespective of the accelerator pedal depression. A microprocessor calculates the vehicle speed from the rotation speed of the output axis, calculates the target drive ratio depending on the vehicle speed, and controls the drive ratio of the continuously variable transmission to be equal to the target ratio. When the brake operation device performs braking, fluctuation of the drive ratio based on the rotation variation of the output axis is prevented by the correction of the drive ratio in the upshift direction.

Abstract: A vehicle control system comprising a vehicle speed sensor for detecting the speed of a vehicle; a recommended gear stage determine device for determining a recommended gear stage of an automatic transmission based on the vehicle speed and road situation; an upper limit gear stage set device for setting an upper limit gear stage on the basis of the recommended gear stage; and a shift device for changing the speed at the upper limit gear stage. The recommended gear stage determine device includes a suppress device for suppressing the number of determinations of the recommended gear stage at a corner.

Abstract: A vehicle control unit controls a vehicle having a device capable of controlling deceleration, such as a continuously variable transmission. An information detection device is capable of determining a relationship between the instant vehicle and a preceding vehicle running in front of the instant vehicle, for example, a headway distance and a relative speed therebetween. Based on the information derived from the detection device, the vehicle correlation is determined and compared with a predetermined target correlation. Then, deceleration of the instant vehicle is set by a deceleration setting device such that the determined correlation reaches the predetermined target correlation. The device for performing deceleration is controlled based on the deceleration that has been set.

Abstract: The vehicle power train control method and apparatus according to the invention secures both operability and safety by controlling an actual acceleration/deceleration to a target acceleration/deceleration requested by a driver under safe traveling condition, and changing the target acceleration/deceleration so as to take precedence for safe traveling if the driver encounters a dangerous traveling condition. According to the invention, acceleration/deceleration and speed of a motor vehicle are detected; a target acceleration/deceleration is determined; and a road condition such as a road gradient or presence or absence of a forward motor vehicle is detected to decide whether the road condition is dangerous. The target acceleration is changed if the condition is decided to be dangerous.

Abstract: In an adaptive speed control system for a vehicle, a method and system for automatically adjusting a selected following interval for the vehicle based on driving conditions is provided. The method includes determining a driving surface coefficient of friction based on a driven wheel speed of the vehicle, and adjusting the selected following interval for the vehicle based on the driving surface coefficient of friction. The system includes a receiver capable of receiving a signal indicative of a driven wheel speed of the vehicle, and a controller capable of determining a driving surface coefficient of friction based on the driven wheel speed, and capable of adjusting the selected following interval for the vehicle based on the driving surface coefficient of friction.

Abstract: The invention is directed to the automatic determination of a quantity which represents the rpm ratio between the transmission and the wheels. For this purpose, first and second rpm values are first detected which represent the rpm of at least one wheel and the rotational speed of a transmission component. Furthermore, a driving state quantity is formed which represents the instantaneous driving state of the motor vehicle. The essence of the invention is that a pregiven driving state can be determined when the formed driving state quantity indicates an essentially steady state driving state. The determination of the rpm transmission ratio which is sought takes place in dependence upon the detected rpm values when the pregiven operating state is detected. Furthermore, the invention relates to a stepped method which, for example, ensures a rapid determination of the differential transmission ratio after a transmission control apparatus is newly built in.

Abstract: Recognizing curve geometry, judgement accuracy of an over speed condition is improved with minimal increase of calculation load, even when the road to an objective curve is not a straight line. The standard deceleration calculator calculates a standard deceleration from the road surface friction coefficient and road slope. The permissible access speed calculator calculates a permissible access speed from the permissible lateral acceleration based on road geometry and the road surface friction coefficient. The equivalent linear distance calculator calculates an equivalent linear distance, converting a winding part of a road to the objective curve into an equivalent straight line. The passing judgement device compares a required deceleration, which is determined based on the present vehicle speed, the permissible access speed and the equivalent linear distance, with a warning deceleration level and a forced deceleration level, which are calculated from the standard deceleration.

Abstract: A method for detecting laterally inclined bends being traversed by a vehicle uses a bend-specific value, such as the rotation rate, lateral acceleration or steering angle of the vehicle, the bend-specific value being simultaneously determined by a plurality of different measuring systems. The plurality of determined values are sorted by magnitude to obtain an indication of whether a laterally inclined bend is being encountered by the vehicle.

Abstract: A wheel information estimating apparatus, which includes: a detecting device for detecting a wheel motion state relating to a movement of a tired wheel of a motor vehicle; an estimating device for estimating wheel information relating to the tired wheel, on the basis of the wheel motion state detected by the detecting device; and a modifying device for modifying an element relating to estimation of the wheel information, so as to improve an accuracy of estimating the wheel information. The element to be modified is selected from a movement of a center of rotation of the tired wheel as viewed in a plane in which the wheel is rotated, a signal applied from the detecting device to the estimating device, and an internal parameter used by the estimating means for estimating the wheel information.

Abstract: A hydraulically driven utility vehicle which supports and powers work attachments. An electronic system is incorporated in the vehicle for having the vehicle traverse the ground at a selected speed and for operating the attachment at a selected speed so that the work of the attachment can be performed in a uniform rate, as desired.

Abstract: With a speed change control wherein a speed change step is determined corresponding to the gradient of a road surface on which a vehicle is travelling, an upshift requirement is output at the time of a downslope, based on the gradient being gentle, and a reference acceleration and a reference engine load are set corresponding to vehicle speed, speed change step, and gradient. Then, only when an actual acceleration is greater than or equal to the reference acceleration, and an actual engine load is greater than or equal to the reference engine load, is upshift executed based on the upshift requirement, and for other than the above conditions, the upshift requirement is cancelled.

Abstract: There is provided control over transmission stages which suppresses unnecessary shifts to a higher speed based on road information stored in a navigation system to allow smooth acceleration. An intersection ahead of the vehicle in the traveling direction is detected based on the road information stored in the navigation system and, when the vehicle is decelerated as it approaches the intersection, an optimum transmission stage for acceleration is selected in advance in accordance with the speed of the vehicle by predicting the acceleration to be performed when exiting the intersection. This eliminates the need for a shift to a lower speed before effecting acceleration by pressing the accelerator and thereby ensures smooth acceleration.

Abstract: A control system for an automatic vehicle transmission which has auto-shifting means or auto-shift mode for determining a gear to be shifted to in accordance with predetermined gearshift scheduling characteristics in response to the detected vehicle speed and the engine load, and manual-shifting means or manual-shift mode for determining a gear to be shifted to in response to a manual-shift command generated by the vehicle driver. The system further includes auto-downshifting means or sub-auto-shift mode for determining a gear to be downshifted to if the detected vehicle speed is less than a threshold value when the manual-shifting means is in operation. In the system it is estimated whether the vehicle is hill climbing or hill descending, and the threshold value is increasing when the vehicle is hill climbing or descending. With the arrangement, it becomes possible to downshift before the drivability or driver's comfort is degraded during the hill climbing or descending.

Abstract: There is disclosed a vehicle control system that controls an automatic transmission by utilizing road information stored in a navigation system unit. In response to the road information stored in a data memory, the upper-limit of a shiftable gear ratio range is determined, thereby allowing change of the gear ratio only within the restricted range. The actual downshift is carried out in response to initiation of a decelerating operation by the driver, such as release of the accelerator pedal, which prevents unnecessary upshift and provides favorable transmission control in conformity with the driver's intention.

Abstract: A device for use in vehicles with electric or hybrid drive for monitoring the air conditioning of a vehicle based on health and energy consumption readings. The device monitors the operation of the air conditioning to determine when differentials between outside and inside temperature are excessive, and/or inside atmospheric humidity is too low and/or air quality is poor. An occurrence of any of these conditions results in the system suggesting to the driver that he should interrupt travel to the desired destination. In addition, if necessary, the device performs a vehicle range estimate as a function of the selected air conditioning operation.

Abstract: A method for reducing transmission clutch engagement pressure during conditions when clutch hydraulic fluid is relatively more viscous. A clutch engagement pressure control signal is shaped by a system that has an addition branch (42) for shaping the control signal as the control signal is rising, a subtraction branch (44) for shaping the control signal as the control signal is falling, and a summing junction (46) for algebraically summing the signal outputs of the addition and the subtraction branches.

Abstract: A control system for a transmission, comprises a shift control function to output a shift instruction signal on the basis of a predetermined shift pattern and a road data detecting function to detect the road data of a route to be followed by a vehicle. This control system further comprises a start detecting function to detect the start of the vehicle; and a shift pattern control function to set a shift pattern for a curve, as having a control content for making it liable to set a larger gear ratio, as the shift pattern when the vehicle start is detected by the start detecting function and when a curved road is detected in the route to be followed, by the road data detecting function.

Abstract: In a transmission control apparatus and a transmission control method for an automatic transmission, when a detection point is defined in accordance with results of detection by means of a fluid temperature detecting element and a rotational speed detecting element, a plurality of points that surround the detection point are selected among a plurality of preset points. Control values for a control parameter are previously mapped corresponding to the set points, and the control values corresponding to the selected points are read from the resulting map. The controlled variable of the control parameter corresponding to the detection point is appropriately linearly calculated by interpolating the control values. Further, a learning correction value for the control parameter corresponding to the detection point is calculated, and is reflected in the control values for the selected points.

Abstract: A powertrain control system is disclosed in which an electronic control unit (ECU) (13) controls a power output actuator (10) to drive a fuelling element (12) of an internal combustion engine (not shown). The ECU (13) receives a signal of demanded power from an accelerator pedal demand potentiometer 915) and signal of required power output characteristic (20, 21) from a range switch (16). The ECU (13) selects the required power output characteristic (20, 21) from memory (14) and applies it to control the power output actuator (10) in relation to the pedal demand signal (25) from the demand potentiometer (15). It is thus possible to select between plural power output characteristics (20, 21) depending on vehicle use or driving conditions.

Abstract: The drive train of a motor vehicle is controlled by interpreting the position of the accelerator pedal as a wheel torque or transmission output torque desired by the driver. This information is utilized together with the position of the brake pedal for calculating central control parameters for the drive sources and decelerating units of the drive train. Data on local environmental pollution are taken into account in such a way that a drive mode of the motor vehicle, ascertained to whatever the current environmental conditions are, is ascertained and indicated to the driver. Unless the driver rejects this drive mode for special reasons, it is performed automatically.

Abstract: A gear ratio of the automatic transmission is controlled by changing a speed ratio between an input-side rotating member to which the driving force from an engine is transmitted and an output-side rotating member through which the driving force is transmitted to driven wheels.

Abstract: A regional attribute for a region in which a vehicle is traveling is detected by a vehicle navigation device, and vehicle drive force characteristics such as a throttle gain of an electronic throttle or a speed change pattern of an automatic transmission are modified according to the regional attribute. An operation amount of an accelerator operated by a driver is detected, and by not modifying the drive force characteristics when the accelerator operation amount is not zero, abrupt change of drive force is avoided, and the sense of discomfort experienced by a driver due to abrupt change of drive force is eliminated.

Abstract: A vehicular control system for enabling the driver to recognize in advance an obstructing state present in a plan route to be followed by the driver, even if the driver has a poor consciousness or a concentration on the driving operation. The vehicular control system comprises a mechanism for changing the gear stage of the automatic transmission of the vehicle and establishing the shift shock, if the presence of a traffic obstruction such as another vehicle obstructing the run of the vehicle on the plan route is detected, to notify the driver of the presence of another vehicle.

Abstract: Provided is a vehicle travel meter comprising a first sensor for monitoring a first variable of travel of a vehicle over a route, a second sensor for monitoring a second variable of travel of the vehicle over the route; memory means arranged to store a plurality of sets of travel data corresponding to a plurality of locations on the route, each set consisting of a value of the first variable and a value of the second variable of travel; selecting means for selecting a set of travel data stored in the memory means in which the value of the first variable is substantially identical to a value of the first variable measured by the first sensor; performance determining means for determining a difference between the value of the second variable of the selected set of travel data and a value of the second variable measured by the second sensor, and display means for displaying in real time the difference determined by the performance determining means to a driver of the vehicle.

Abstract: A communications device for a control device is provided which includes a signal line communicating with the control device, and a transmitter that transmits a pulse signal including digital information to the control device through the signal line. The transmitter varies a duty ratio of the pulse signal so that the duty ratio corresponds to the logical value 1/0 of the digital information. The control device reads a binary signal from the signal line at a predetermined frequency based on a first processing program, and processes the binary signal according to the first processing program. The control device detects passage of a leading edge of the pulse signal from a change in the received binary signal, and reproduces the digital information based on the binary signal read at a time when a first predetermined time elapses after the passage of the leading edge of the pulse signal is detected. The first predetermined time is set to be intermediate between the varied duty ratios.

Abstract: A control system for a vehicle with an automatic transmission adapted to prohibit the upshifting from a second shift stage to a third shift stage upon generation of a slipping of driven wheels. When an accelerator pedal is depressed to increase the throttle opening degree TH in order to permit the vehicle to be started to travel on an icy surface and the like having a lower road surface friction coefficient, the vehicle speed V detected based on the number of rotations of an output shaft of an automatic transmission is rapidly increased due to the generation of a slipping, whereby the upshifting from the second shift stage to the third shift stage is prohibited. A vehicle speed generated on a usual flat road is previously stored, and a presumed vehicle speed VYS is calculated from such vehicle speed and a time elapsed after the generation of the slipping.

Abstract: In a continuously variable transmission which varies a speed change ratio based on a target speed change ratio which has been set according to a running condition of a vehicle, a sensor is provided for detecting the temperature of the continuously variable transmission. A shift amount of the speed change ratio due to a thermal expansion difference of parts of the continuously variable transmission is prevented by correcting the target speed change ratio based on the temperature detected by the sensor.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a system for determining the gear ratio changes in an automatic transmission in a vehicle having an accelerator pedal actuated by a driver of the vehicle. The system includes a first sensor for detecting the position (DK) of said accelerator pedal as a first variable and a second sensor for detecting at least one of the following as a second variable: the vehicle straight-line speed (V.sub.x), transmission output rpm and the motor rpm. An adaptation variable (BZ) is determined in an evaluation mode in dependence upon a comparison of a time-dependent change of the first variable to at least one threshold value (SW, SW1, SW2). A characteristic field receives the first and second variables as input variables. The characteristic field and the adaptation variable (BZ) are used to form a gear ratio change (SG) for the automatic transmission.

Abstract: A new cruise control economizer for utilizing momentum gained on downhill travel which operates by selectively overriding a throttle on a vehicle with electronic throttle controls during and after the vehicle is traveling down an incline gaining momentum with minimum fuel consumption. The inventive device includes at least one POM (prolongation of momentum) switch, a microcontroller, a vehicle speed input, a brakes or clutch pressed input, and a vehicle setback throttle means to override cruise control output and send modified throttle setting signals that override electronic cruise controls.

Abstract: When slipping is generated during the upshifting from a first gear shift stage to a second gear shift stage on ice or the like, a control for prohibiting the upshifting from the second gear shift stage to a third gear shift stage can be carried out precisely. A control system is designed so that when a slipping state is detected on ice having a lower road surface friction coefficient by a slipping state determining device, the upshifting of an automatic transmission from a second gear shift stage to a third gear shift stage is prohibited. In this control system, the time required for the upshifting from a first gear shift stage to the second gear shift stage is measured. If such time is shorter than a first predetermined time, it is determined that a slipping has been generated during the upshifting, and the upshifting from the second gear shift stage to the third gear shift stage is prohibited for a second predetermined time.

Abstract: The invention concerns a control system for shifting gears in an automatic shift transmission (3) by using fuzzy logic methods. Vehicle parameters form input variables (8) that are continuously detected by appropriate means (9). These input variables are further processed in downstream functional blocks (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 and 17). Gearshifting points that ensure an economical driving are determined in the functional block (11) according to fuzzy logic methods. Besides a set of basic fuzzy logic generating rules, additional rules are used to improve driving. For that purpose, the input quantity "desired performance" is taken into consideration in both sets of rules. The desired performance may be a desired acceleration or a desired deceleration. A closed regulation circuit is formed by converting the fictitious quantity desired performance and the quantity driving manner to a physical quantity.

Abstract: In the case of a gear shift control for automatic transmissions in motor vehicles having an electronic control unit which determines the gear change as a function of operating parameters of the vehicle, the electronic control unit controls the gear changes also as a function of input signals which are obtained from information generated outside the vehicle and which indicate environmental conditions of the vehicle.

Abstract: A power train controller and control method are provided for a passenger car driven by a combustion engine and an automatic gear changing transmission. Control sensors detect a current operating state of the passenger car. Three different modes of operation, including sports mode, economy mode, and comfortable mode are selected by the driver. Depending on the selected mode, the automobile transmission is controlled in different shifting patterns as a function of the sensed vehicle operating conditions.

Abstract: The vehicle power train control method and apparatus according to the invention secures both operability and safety by controlling an actual acceleration/deceleration to a target acceleration/deceleration requested by a driver under safe traveling condition, and changing the target acceleration/deceleration so as to take precedence for safe traveling if the driver encounters a dangerous traveling condition. According to the invention, acceleration/deceleration and speed of a motor vehicle are detected; a target acceleration/deceleration is determined; and a road condition such as a road gradient or presence or absence of a forward motor vehicle is detected to decide whether the road condition is dangerous. The target acceleration is changed if the condition is decided to be dangerous.

Abstract: An automatic transmission control method using map data includes the steps of: operating a map in said CD-ROM; mapping said magnetic position of said vehicle by using said earth magnetism sensor; measuring a climbing angle of said vehicle from an angle sensor mounted in said vehicle; judging whether said climbing angle is beyond a constant angle .theta.; judging conditions of said approaching road, such as a position of a peak, when said climbing angle is greater than said constant angle .theta.; maintaining a current gear by confirming a condition for keeping a transmission, or changing a gear by performing a shift in transmission; and repeating said steps by mapping again said magnetic position of the vehicle.

Abstract: A multi-ratio automatic transmission has a plurality of fluid operated clutching devices, a fluidic torque converter and a fluid operated torque converter clutch mechanism. During certain operational periods, a hot mode is invoked to eliminate certain heat sources and increase heat dissipation to thereby prevent the fluid temperature from exceeding a predetermined maximum temperature. The hot mode is invoked as a function of both the temperature of the transmission fluid and the rate of change of the fluid temperature.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a system for determining gear ratio change in an automatic transmission in a vehicle having an accelerator pedal actuated by a driver of the vehicle. The system includes a first sensor for detecting the position (DK) of the accelerator pedal as a first variable and a second sensor for detecting the straight-line speed (V.sub.x) of the vehicle as a second variable. An adaptation variable (BZ) is determined in dependence upon at least one of the following: the instantaneous driving behavior of the driver, the environmental conditions to which the vehicle is subjected and the driving situation in which the vehicle is. A gear ratio change function includes a characteristic field for receiving the first and second variables (DK, V.sub.x) as first and second input variables (DK, V.sub.x), respectively. At least one of the first and second input variables (DK, V.sub.x) is changed in dependence upon the adaptation variable (BZ).

Abstract: A gear shift control device of an automatic transmission of a vehicle, including: a means for estimating a target shift stage for harmonizing rotation speed and power output of engine of the vehicle; a means for estimating slip angle of at least one of the pair of drive wheels; a means for estimating slip ratio of the at least one drive wheel which would be caused thereon by the automatic transmission being shifted to the target shift stage; a means for estimating tire grip of the at least one drive wheel based upon the estimated slip angle and the estimated slip ratio; a means for judging if the estimated tire grip of the at least one drive wheel is in a grip range predetermined therefor; and a means for executing gear shift of the automatic transmission when the target shift stage is different from a current shift stage with the estimated tire grip being within the predetermined grip range.

Abstract: In an apparatus and method utilizing a navigation system for controlling a driving force to be exerted at an estimated position at which the vehicle is to pass to reach to a destination at which the vehicle is finally to reach, a running road estimating block estimates a future position of the own vehicle in which the vehicular driving force controlling apparatus is mounted on the basis of a present position of the own vehicle. The estimated future position is a point of a road for the vehicle to pass several seconds after a time at which the own vehicle is placed at the present position specified from a recorded content of an electronic road map stored in, for example, CD-ROM. A driving force predicting block determines a present vehicular load state derived by a running resistance measuring block as a required driving force at the estimated position by correcting the present vehicular load state by a height difference between the estimated position and the present position.

Abstract: The gradient of a roadway in the direction of travel of the vehicle is identified from signals present in the vehicle without any additional sensor systems. A freely rolling state of the at least one driven axle of the vehicle is detected at least once. In this state, the wheels of the driven axle also roll free of slip. In order to balance out the wheel speeds between the driven axles and the non-driven axles, the difference speed between the wheel speed of a driven axle and the wheel speed of a non-driven axle is identified. At the same time, the value of the braking, that is to say the value of the deceleration of the vehicle, is measured. The value of a gradient constant is identified from the identified values of the difference speeds and the braking operations. The gradient of the roadway can be determined with the gradient constant from the values of the difference speed and the values of the braking then identified. The gradient information can then be used to control the vehicle.

Abstract: A down-shift acceleration resistance and a down-shift target acceleration are compared, and only when a deceleration intent by the driver is detected, is a down-shift to a gear ratio which is one step higher than a gear ratio which will produce deceleration in excess of that indicated necessary by the comparison, permitted. In the absence of any detected deceleration intent by the driver, a forcible downshifting is inhibited. The shifting is controlled through computation which does not rely on large amounts of prestored table data.